Effectiveness of red light cameras debated

But transportation officials and city leaders in Houston who approved the use of the cameras last month maintain the system helps improve traffic safety.

Nationally, more than 100 cities in 20 states use the cameras, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Houston council members have approved using the cameras at 50 intersections with the highest accident rates.

The National Motorists Association of Waunakee, Wis., a nonprofit group that opposes camera enforcement, doesn't see any benefits from the idea and various studies that claim otherwise have been flawed, spokesman Eric Skrum said.